Aging like fine wine: Pupil on ‘Zilch,’ int’l music festivals, and new local bands

It is said that experience is the best teacher. In that case, Filipino rock band Pupil must have already learned a lot from being in the business for years now. But the band has never stopped learning, its members said. Pupil's front man and guitarist Ely Buendia, bassist Dok Sergio, drummer Wendell Garcia, and new guitarist Jerome Velasco are set to share their new experiences with the music of their fourth album. 

 

Slated for release on January 17, 2015, "Zilch" was an exciting journey for Pupil. 

 

It will be the first album that Velasco—whose band creds include The Teeth, The Mongols, and Daydream Cycle—will being playing in as Pupil's official guitarist. He isn't really new to the group, though, having worked with Pupil on their first two albums: "Beautiful Machines" and "Wild Life."

 

The new album will feature a lot of experimentation, with the "back to basics" theme in mind.  

 

Buendia also said, "'Pag narinig niyo yung album, please notice the drums. Pinaghirapan namin talaga." 

 

To achieve the sound they wanted for the drums, the band members utilized DIY techniques in recording Garcia's parts. This included using mattresses and recording at a photo studio, not a recording studio. 

 

Buendia said that it was Sergio who made sure their ideas were doable. "For this album, siya ang geek and the catalyst sa mga experimentation," he said. 

 

Sergio responded, "Songwriting is still key to good music. I have one song for our album pero na-i-insecure ako sa lyrics ko. I always tell Ely, 'Ely, please, i-critique mo naman ang lyrics ko,' Ely really writes well, and he's my idol—"

 

Buendia interrupted, "Your lyrics are just fine—"

 

Sergio continued, "Side by side with Ely's lyrics, parang, oh man, mine sucks," and everyone at the table laughed.

 

Out of the blue, Velasco said in his soft voice, "Magaling 'yung composition in Wendell." 

Representing the PHL abroad

 

Last year, Rico Blanco and Rocksteddy represented the Sundown Festival in Singapore, which brought together different artists from various Asian countries on one stage. It is Pupil's turn this 2014. 

 

"Technically naman, boyband kami," Buendia said, referring to the event's roster of Asian pop boybands. 

 

The Sundown Festival will be held at the F1 Pit Building in Singapore on November 22. Other artists joining Pupil are Regina from China; Kate Tsui from Hong Kong; Kanika Kapoor from India; S.O.S. from Indonesia; WEAVER from Japan; CROSS GENE from Korea; Shila Amzah from Malaysia; Olivia Ong, Jeremy Teng, ShiGGa Shay, and Farrago from Singapore; Chang Chen Yue from Taiwan; and Big Ass from Thailand. 

 

As this is the first time they will represent the country in a music festival, how will the band please the diverse crowd?

Garcia exclaimed, "We're just gonna do our sh*t! 'Yun lang. We're just gonna be ourselves, man... Wala naman kaming dapat patunayan. If the four of us enjoy the stage, wala na, mararamdaman na nila 'yun." 

 

He joked, "Actually, hindi kami tutugtog, sasayaw kami." 

 

Fresh Pinoy bands 

 

Pupil's members are some of the most time-tested musicians in the country. But all four members are impressed with the up-and-coming local bands they have had the chance to hear. When asked if they found new and notable talents around, the table suddenly buzzed with excitement. 

 

Buendia said, "Napapailing na lang ako: wow, ang daming magagaling!" 

 

Garcia followed up with, "Anong almusal ng mga ito?!"  

 

Velasco even named progressive rock bands tide/edit and Franco as some of the good young bands. 

 

Pupil credited technology and easy access to records and gears as to why the younger generation of musicians is doing well. 

 

"Hindi tulad ng dati na ang hirap," Velasco said. 

 

But the band would like to remind the younger kids in the local music scene that what they've learned through tutorials and other online platforms can only do so much. 

 

Buendia said, "Nothing can substitute experience, and that's where we're very lucky." — VC, GMA News